FRANCES

Frances smiled at a passing maid, keeping his wicked hands behind his back as if there was absolutely nothing going on. He'd spent most of his life pretending he wasn't getting into trouble, so putting on an innocent smile was as easy as flicking on a light switch.

The young maid raised a brow at him, a little ember of curiosity burning in her eyes. They'd probably be good friends if his reputation didn't always get in the way. With a smirk, Frances winked, and the maid gushed, quickening her pace to leave the hall. The sound of her shoes hitting the marble floors bounced all around the gigantic entry way. 

"Still got it," Frances muttered.

Alone again, Frances bent down and tried stealing a peek of the bottom of Etienne's mother's portrait. He forgot the former Queen's name. From the look of her sour face, it was probably something equally stuffy like Agnes or Gertrude. 

"What are you doing?" A raspy voice tickled Frances' neck hair. He grinned, turning to look up at Blake's assistant, Ignacio. He was everything Frances wanted in Blake's assistant: good looking, a sexy accent, tight pants, and little regard of what an assistant actually did all day.

"Do you really want to know?" Frances asked, leaning closer towards Ignacio as if he was sharing an important secret.

Ignacio's smile wasn't easily swayed. "Don't you want to tell me?"

"You couldn't be more right." Frances stood up straight with his hands raised. He was barely any taller than Ignacio. Maybe in a different pair of shoes, Ignacio was taller. Closer, the assistant smelled sweet like rose water. "I'm searching for secret passageways. Old palace like this one..." He looked up at the art deco ceiling and the tall candelabras that actually held a flame. "You know there's bound to be one."

"Yes," Ignacio nodded and crossed his arms, considering the room. "But they wouldn't place such valuable escape routes here, out in the open where anyone can find them. Passageways would be in the master's study or bedroom, somewhere no one without permission could go."

"I..." Frances quirked his head. He didn't expect this response. "I didn't think about that."

"Do you think the King is home? Should we go snoop? There are no beheadings in Sagewick, anymore yes? We should be fine."

"You're not going to tell me to quit it or to stop being a menace?"

"What? Are you scared of the repercussions? I'm disappointed in you, Frances."

Frances was compelled to match Ignacio's amused look. They grinned like two kids threatening to rob their mothers of all the treats in the cookie jar. Frances' fingers itched to take Ignacio's hand and race down the hallway, not knowing if the king and queen were gone or not. He simply wanted to get Ignacio alone. And the sooner the better, honestly.

"Frances!" Blake called as he descended the grand staircase. His black curls bounced as he hit every step. Sporting his new clothes, Blake wore a gray sweater with elbow patches over a simple white button up, all packaged underneath his wool coat. He wore a nice pair of jeans and shiny brown leather shoes. Frances did notice a pair of mismatched polka dot socks and his cold heart fluttered. They haven't taken the boy out of him yet.

"Hey," Frances nodded his head. "If it isn't my third favorite witch?"

Meeting them at the bottom, Blake's face dropped. "What? That's rude."

"I mean, what have you done for me lately?" Frances slipped his hands into his pockets and nuzzled his nose at Blake.

Blake winced. He spun his engagement ring around his pale finger. Frances had caught him doing it a lot lately, especially when he was alone and nervous. Blake never did it when Daniel was around though. Frances didn't mention the cute quirk. He liked watching the pair flounder with their unavoidable feelings. He just waited for them to drown. 

"Actually, I need a favor."

"Now he needs a favor." Frances turned on his heel with ease, walking towards the lounge right by the front door. Unwanted visitors were usually politely asked to wait there until someone with authority could come and tell them to fuck off. Frances knew those rooms well.

"Come on, Frances," Blake pleaded, which made Frances' mischievous side grin with amusement. Times like this he missed his brother Collin and his sister-in-law, Abigale. They were just as fun to tease as this new couple. But he knew their buttons better.

"Frances," Ignacio spoke up and Frances stretched like a cat basking in the sun. Ignacio's voice reminded him of honey slowly sliding off the spoon. "You could at least hear Blake out. I'm sure whatever he needs is reasonable."

"But what if what I want in return isn't reasonable?" Frances posed and wagged his finger at Ignacio. "I could ask for anything, like the first bite of his food for all eternity."

"Eternity is a long time, Frances. A man like you would become bored of eternity."

Frances stopped, his eyes lingering inside the warm pool of Ignacio's brown eyes.

Yes, Frances thought. He was absolutely going to take this man to bed.

"Frances!" Blake chimed. He slapped his hands together in prayer, begging Frances, "Please, I don't need much. I was just hoping to get the number of that Oracle who came to the press conference. I need some advice."

"Advice from a matchmaker? But you're already engaged."

"It's not about that. It's magic related."

"Oh, well sure. I mean, I need to ask her first but—" Just as he was speaking, Frances' felt his pocket buzz. Frances took out his phone and Delphine's picture flashed across the screen. It was a picture of the two of them posing for a selfie at a mutual friend's wedding. Their second wedding technically.

Frances answered, "That's spooky, Delphine."

"Frances! My darling! I was minding my own business—"

"Sure, you were."

"When I received the oddest sensation. It was a tingle from the back of my neck to my toes. The most curious thing! Usually, you'd have to pay for something like that."

Frances snorted. "It's my friend, Blake Winslow. Do you remember him? He wanted your number."

"Of course, I remember him! One never forgets a prince. Give him the phone, but not without giving me a kiss through the receiver. I miss you terribly, darling. The city aches for you to come home."

"I'll be home after New Year's..." Frances promised and caught Ignacio's eyes, catching a small flicker of disappointment. He masked it well with a small smile. Someone was also a good liar. Maybe even better than him.

Frances tossed Blake his phone without warning, forcing Blake to fumble around with it. "Here you go. Have fun with her and try not to get adopted."

#

BLAKE

Blake was late waking up this morning.

Honestly, he might have slept longer. It had been the best night's sleep he had since he arrived in Sagewick... Blake stirred that morning with something in his arms. It was Daniel's arm. They slept together again! He couldn't believe it. Damien would be furious. 

But Blake managed to get out of bed without waking the vampire and got in the shower. By the time he returned, Daniel was gone too. He was relieved... not that Daniel left, but that Daniel didn't see him in a towel.

"I'm sorry to bother you," Blake told Delphine Kelley on the other line. He walked back to the stairs, sitting on one of the last few steps. He felt tiny inside the grand foyer that forced him to bend his neck all the way back if he wanted to admire the painted ceiling.

"Not at all!" She gushed, her voice bright and fluttering like the wings of a hummingbird. "I'm always free for a chat. How was my cure for hangovers?"

"Effective. Mrs. Kelley, why didn't you tell me what was going to happen that night?"

"I wouldn't dream of it. No spoilers, darling! It's against my code of conduct!"

"But you..." Blake glanced around to see if anyone was close enough to hear him admit, "... saw us summon a demon. And you didn't want to warn me?"

"What's a little demon summoning between fiancés? My darling, it is not my job to interfere with fate. The future... is finicky. Maybe, you and Prince Daniel summon a demon. Maybe not. Things like women's hair, the weather and my favorite color, like the future, changes often."

Blake let out a long sigh. "Mrs. Kelley—"

"Delphine! My friends call me Delphine, can't we be friends? Nothing wrong with making new friends, even across oceans."

"Of course. Delphine, I was wondering if I could ask you about your visions."

"Fire away!"

"Okay. Um," Blake gripped the phone tighter. He needed to just rip the Band-Aid off and ask. "Do you ever receive your visions while you're asleep?"

"Sometimes I do and sometimes, what I think is a vision of the future is actually just a dream. It doesn't happen often though, my love. Not since I was young and didn't have enough control of my third eye... why are you asking?"

"It's probably nothing."

"Probably doesn't tell me to call. Whatever you're worried about is safe with me. I shall put your little secret in a life-jacket before we set sail on this discussion."

"Okay." Blake closed his eyes, bracing himself. If his suspicions weren't true, he was going to come across like an idiot, but what else is new? He explained, "For the past few nights, I've been having these dreams of my ancestor and his life, I think before he made a deal with Ignacio, the demon we summoned. It just started out of the blue and I don't know what to make of them."

Delphine hummed, thinking for a moment, before speaking, "So, you're wondering if you're an undiscovered Oracle like myself?"

"No, no. I'm just trying to figure out if what I'm seeing is really the past."

"It's difficult to say. You said they appeared out of the blue? Would they have happened to start when you summoned that demon friend of yours?"

Now that Blake thought about it, she was right. "Yeah, actually."

"It seems like a lot of magic was thrown around. Are you swayed one way? Do you think you're getting a peek into the past?"

"Honestly? I think I am."

"Then, you must trust your magic. It sounds like your ancestor wants you to see something, maybe even warn you. Just go along with the dreams and find out. No harm in that."

"But... the dreams, they're taking a dark turn. I don't know if I can handle them. They feel so real Delphine, like I'm actually there and sometimes, I can literally feel my ancestor, Henry's emotions."

"I didn't say it was easy."

With a sigh, Blake closed his eyes and tried to relax. He thought the same thing, but he had kind of hoped Delphine would disagree with him or call him crazy. The last thing he wanted from this conversation was to be agreed with.

Delphine spoke up with a bit more cheer. "Now let's get to business, my darling. For my services, the only thing I require is an invitation to the wedding and a plus one."

Blake grinned. "You can have a plus two."

"Oh! I'll take it. Stay positive, Blake Winslow. I have a feeling everything will work out."

"Really? Did you see it in a vision?"

"No! But I'm rarely wrong, so I thought I'd just put it out into the universe."

Shaking his head, Blake said, "Alright. Thank you, Delphine."

"It's my absolute pleasure. I've been needing some fun around here. Everyone is far too domesticated. And my darling, if you would do me an important favor and watch out for Frances for me."

"I will, but I'm pretty sure Frances can watch out for himself."

"That's his problem. He's convinced himself that he will be a singular being forever that he often walks away from his chance at finding happiness. He's made himself into one big joke, but I'd like more people to take him seriously. He's still a man with a heart, I swear on my life."

"I believe you."

They said their goodbyes and Blake hung up. By Delphine's request, he added her number onto his phone and sent her another little thank you text. She immediately texted back with requests of copious pictures, a couple selfie and if Blake knows any single people that would like to be matched up to send them her way.

Blake laughed and only promised he'd do his best.

"What are you doing?" Daniel appeared, slipping his fingers through Blake's hair. Blake turned, but Daniel didn't lift his hand. He just stroked Blake's hair more, making Blake blush. Daniel was coming down the stairs, freshly showered and dressed for the day. He looked stunning without even trying. 

Blake sputtered. "J-just taking a phone call."

"Oh, okay. You've got some..." Daniel motioned to the corner of his mouth. "Toothpaste still there."

"Do I really?" Blake rubbed his palm across his lips and cheeks as his entire body was encased in a blush. He dressed for Sagewick winter, but right now it felt like the summer in Hell. "This keeps happening to me. You know, yesterday I had spinach in my teeth all day and nobody told me. I bet a booger could be flopping out of my nose and no one would tell me. I'd tell you. I'm so nice, I'd fix your tag if it was sticking out, but nobody helps me—"

He watched Daniel's lips curl, his eyes sparkling with a mischievous flint that Blake knew all too well. He'd been tricked.

"Danny!" Blake snapped, realizing he'd been tricked. He shot his hand out to smack some of the stupidity out of the prince, but Daniel curled away, jumping down the last few steps. Blake chased after him. "Get back here!"

They ran around the entire foyer in circles, eliciting the attention of Ignacio and Frances. Frances yelled, "Get'em Blake!"

The front door opened with a long winded groan. Michael stepped out, throwing his hands up in exasperation. "What are you doing? We're going to be late!"

Just when Blake thought he could catch the tail end of Daniel's jacket, Daniel zipped up the grand staircase in a blur. Standing on top, he crossed his arms and grinned, looking way too pleased with himself. Blake rolled his eyes, "That's an abuse of power."

"Don't be jealous," Daniel fired back.

Blake almost gave him the finger, but a couple of maids carrying laundry passed between them. In another flash, Daniel stood right in front of him. He whispered, leaning close to Blake's face. "You seem like you're in better spirits than last night. I'm glad." He brushed his hand through Blake's curls and Blake perked up, his skin electrified enough to cause sparks.

Blake couldn't speak past the lump in his throat, so he just nodded. He wanted to say he slept great, but waking up inside of Daniel's arm caused quite the shock. It wasn't the first time they shared a bed and yet, when Blake opened his eyes to find Daniel sleeping so peacefully, he nearly teared up, Daniel looked so beautiful. And now, Blake couldn't tear his eyes away.

"Let's go people!" Michael clapped his hands, scaring Blake out of his bones. He turned around with his head down, practically storming towards the front door. He breezed by a cantankerous Michael huffing, "Where was this enthusiasm fifteen minutes ago when we were supposed to leave? Frances, if you don't come right now, you're going to be left behind and I mean it."

"Aye, aye captain," Frances saluted Michael and slung his arm around Ignacio's shoulders, pulling the demon along with his stride.

Daniel appeared by Blake's side his hand extended towards him. "Ready?"

"We're just walking to the car," Blake guffawed and rolled his eyes, trying a little too hard to play it cool. If he continued to bother Daniel, he was going to become an annoying brat to him all over again. No matter how much Blake liked Daniel's gentle side.

For just a second, Blake caught Iggy's fingers snap and Blake felt his shoelaces tug. A yelp flew out of Blake's mouth as he lost balance with a first class ticket to meet the stone steps outside the palace. He never met the ground.

A strong pair of hands steadied him, and it was Daniel who was the one leaning closer with a grin plastered on his face, "Are you sure you don't want that help?"

Blake gulped.

Grabbing Blake's hand, Daniel linked their arms together tight. He patted Blake's arm and smiled like a little kid that just got everything he wanted. Blake rolled his eyes, but didn't struggle to escape Daniel's hold. Blake just avoided all eye contact to glare at Ignacio's back. He watched Ignacio's shoulders tremble as he held onto a laugh.

Blake kicked that nosy little demon. He was going to have to do a lot better than that to force Blake down that aisle. 

#

Author's Note

Whoa! A Frances POV??? And Delphine? She was a bonus ;) This is like a Golden Rule reunion (for those who don't know, Frances and Delphine are from my Werewolf Romcom "The Golden Rule". Frances was the best friend character of the Alpha, Eric Silva. Frances makes lots of friends somehow. Lol). I hope you enjoyed the chapter! 

Please leave your thoughts and feelings~ What do you think about the idea of Iggy and Frances? How do you think Daniel and Blake's relationship is coming along?